Cabo Verde 2-2 Egypt: Late Equalizer, Both Teams Advance

Egypt secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 in a night filled with dramatic events in Group B. In the two Group B matches, there were four goals scored in injury time, including Mozambique’s two goals, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Ghana. This draw proved sufficient for Egypt to finish second and qualify for the next stage. However, many of Egypt’s players were unaware of the Ghana score and were disheartened when Cabo Verde equalized in the 99th minute.

Despite dominating the first half, Egypt fell behind to a clinical finish from Gilson Tavares just before halftime. Trezeguet, a halftime substitute, quickly equalized with a beautifully executed goal. Egypt then pressed for a winning goal to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

They believed they had secured the winning goal when Mostafa Mohamed calmly lobbed the ball over Vozinha in the 91st minute. However, the drama was far from over. A VAR check was initiated to examine a potential handball by Mohamed, prompting the referee to consult the monitor before ultimately confirming the goal.

At that moment, some of the Egypt players were on the verge of tears, experiencing a mix of emotions. Additional disappointment ensued when Bryan Teixeira casually scored an equalizer. However, the final whistle brought clarity on Ghana’s result, bringing a wave of relief to Egypt, making their qualification official.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

GOAL! ?

Bryan Teixeira in the last moments of the game! ?#CPVEGY | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023

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— Total Energies AFCON (@TotalAFCON2023) January 22, 2024

DISCUSSION POINT – SALAH’S PARTICIPATION IN AFCON IN DOUBT?

Mo Salah experienced a myriad of emotions as he observed from the sidelines, fervently hoping for Egypt to advance to the knockout stages. However, there is now significant uncertainty about Salah’s continued participation in this year’s competition, even if Egypt progresses to the final.

Salah’s agent recently stated that the injury he sustained against Ghana last week could sideline him for up to 28 days. With the final looming less than three weeks away, Salah’s prospects of returning to play in the tournament appear doubtful.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – TREZEGUET

The former Aston Villa forward made a significant impact after coming on at halftime, taking control of the game. He nearly scored within the first 30 seconds and eventually equalized with an exciting goal.

Trezeguet displayed determination from the moment he stepped onto the field, narrowly missing a chance shortly after his goal. He also played a role in what Egypt believed to be the winning goal from Mostafa Mohamed. While no one can fully replace Mo Salah, Trezeguet emerged as Egypt’s key player in the second half, making it highly surprising if he doesn’t start in their last-16 match.

PLAYER RATINGS

Cabo Verde: Vozinha 7, Semedo 7, Diney 7, Costa 7, Dylan Tavares 7, Rocha Santos 6, Lenini 6, Andrade 6, Mendes 7, Gilson Tavares 7, Rodrigues 6.

Subs: Monteiro 6, Cuca 6, Joao Paulo 6, Teixeira 8, Moreira 6.

Egypt: El Shenawy 6, Zizo 6, Hegazy 7, Hany 6, Abdelmonem 7, Fatouh 6, Fathi 6, Attia 6, Mohamed 7, Ashour 8, Marmoush 6.

Subs: Hamdy 6, Kahraba 6, Gabasky 6, Trezeguet 8.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

45+1’ – GOAL! CABO VERDE 1-0 EGYPT (G TAVARES)

Cabo Verde takes the lead with their first shot on target! Gilson Tavares, aka Benchimol, controls De Graca’s header across the area and scores with a superb turn past Elshenawy. The camera cuts to Mo Salah, with a bowed head, contemplating the unexpected turn of events. If the score stays this way, Egypt’s fate will depend on results in the other groups. It wasn’t anticipated to unfold like this.

50’ – GOAL! CABO VERDE 1-1 EGYPT (TREZEGUET)

Substitute Trezeguet levels the score with a magnificent goal! He collects a half-cleared corner on the edge of the area, executes a slick one-two with Hegazy, and volleys the ball through Vozinha at the near post. It’s a display of delightful football.

90+3’ – GOAL! CABO VERDE 1-2 EGYPT (MOHAMED)

Egypt secures a spot in the last 16! Trezeguet’s long ball forward finds Mostafa Mohamed, who calmly lobs the ball over Vozinha. It’s a composed finish under pressure.

90+4 – VAR CHECK!

Was there a handball by Mohamed before he lobbed the ball into the net? It seems to come off his chest, but his outstretched arm raises questions. Meanwhile, Mozambique scores twice in injury time, drawing level with Ghana. The goal is given regardless, as Egypt secures progress.

90+9’ – GOAL! CABO VERDE 2-2 EGYPT (TEIXEIRA)

Cabo Verde equalizes in the ninth added minute! Willy Semedo’s cross is pushed away to substitute Teixeira, who calmly scores from a tight angle. Although this twist won’t affect Egypt’s progress, the players seem devastated, unaware that they are moving forward. It’s a night of absurd drama.